Translation guide
The act of proving an argument or statement to be false or invalid. This is a formal, academic concept. In Japanese, it is expressed through specific verbs and nouns used in debates, logic, and formal writing.
Expressing the action of showing that an argument or claim is wrong, typically in a debate or formal discussion.
The most common and versatile verb meaning 'to refute' or 'to argue against'. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼は私の意見に反論した。
He refuted my opinion.
To completely defeat someone in an argument; to argue someone down. Implies a decisive refutation, often in a debate setting.
Referring to the act or instance of confutation as a noun, such as in academic writing.
The English word 'confutation' is very formal and rare. In most situations, 'refutation' or 'disproof' are more natural translations. The Japanese equivalents above are similarly formal; for everyday speech, simpler phrases like 「間違いを指摘する」(point out a mistake) may be more appropriate.
彼は相手の主張を論破した。
He thoroughly refuted his opponent's argument.
To disprove by presenting counter-evidence. Used in legal, scientific, or logical contexts.
その仮説は反証された。
The hypothesis was disproven.
The standard noun for 'refutation' or 'counterargument'. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
彼の反論は説得力があった。
His refutation was persuasive.
A disproof or counter-evidence. Used in technical or legal contexts.
その理論の反証が提示された。
A disproof of the theory was presented.
A formal term for 'refutation' or 'confutation', often used in academic or philosophical writing. Less common in everyday language.
彼の論文は既存の説の論駁を試みている。
His paper attempts a confutation of the existing theory.